For Treasure

Profitable Bible study involves more than just opening to a chapter and reading what’s there. Here are seven guidelines to help you make the most of your study of the Bible.

1. Set aside a regular time. Unless you schedule it, you’ll forget about it.

2. Before you start reading, ask God for help and understanding.

3. Not all of the Bible’s meaning is always obvious. To get the important truths, you have to carefully think through what’s being said.

4. Seek to understand what the author was saying to the first people who read the book or letter before you decide how to apply it to yourself.

5. Write down at least one truth you can put into practice.

6. Try different translations of the Bible. If you find yourself skimming over familiar words, a new translation may focus your mind on the passage in a new way.

7. Don’t get discouraged. Some bits of the Bible are more interesting than others, and some you may not understand at all. But there’s enough that you can understand, and it will change your life if you apply it.

Now read today’s verses again with these guidelines in mind. Then try it again tomorrow. You will begin to discover the depths of the Bible. —Haddon

Robinson

When reading God’s Word, take special care

To find the rich treasures hidden there; Give thought to each line, each [detail] clear, Then practise it well with godly fear. —Anon.

To hear God speak, read the Bible carefully and study it prayerfully.